Supreme Court disapproves PA resolution against Ahad Cheema’s arrest

LAHORE: The Supreme Court on Saturday debarred the Punjab bureaucracy from protests over the arrest of Ahad Cheema, a grade-20 officer, at the hands of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in a housing scheme scam.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar wondered how a resolution in support of Cheema was adopted by the Punjab Assembly (PA).

In such a way, a resolution could also be moved to the effect that the apex court couldn’t summon anyone, he observed.

The apex court directed that no one will cause any kind of harassment to the anti-graft watchdog investigating some high-profile cases.

CJP Nisar restrained the provincial bureaucracy from protesting against Cheema’s arrest. If anyone wants to resign, he/she can do so and if one is summoned by the bureau, he should cooperate with it, he said.

The apex court summoned service record of Ahad Cheema as well as perks and privileges he has been receiving during his posting to important positions in Punjab.

Last week, the anti-corruption watchdog arrested Cheema, former Director General (DG) Lahore Development Authority (LDA), drawing sharp reaction from a section of the Punjab bureaucracy and PML-N leaders.

Cheema, chief executive of the Punjab Power Company, was arrested from his office located in Gulbarg area of Lahore over his alleged involvement in Ashiana Housing Scheme scam.

The former LDA chief has been accused of misusing his authority with criminal intent to award a contract to Bismillah Engineering on the basis of nepotism.

Cheema caused a loss of Rs 455 million to the national exchequer after awarding contracts on the basis of favouritism.